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Criminal Defense Lawyer Godfrey, IL

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Last Updated: May 27, 2025

A criminal defense lawyer in Godfrey, IL is a legal advocate who defends individuals facing criminal charges in state courts, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage of the legal process.

If you’ve been arrested, charged with a crime, or are under investigation in Godfrey, IL, you need a legal team that knows the courts and knows how to fight back. Combs Waterkotte‘s Godfrey, IL criminal defense lawyers deliver focused, trial-ready, and personalized defense strategies for clients in Godfrey and across Southern Illinois.

No matter the charge — whether it’s a DUI, a drug case, or a major felony — we’re here to fight for the best possible outcome.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

  • The role of a criminal defense lawyer in Godfrey, IL, and how local insight makes a difference
  • An overview of the most common charges we defend — from DUI to drug crimes and assault
  • How our defense strategy starts with fast action, deep investigation, and courtroom preparation
  • What happens after an arrest in Godfrey, IL, and what steps to expect in the legal process
  • Key qualities in a defense lawyer and why clients across Southern Illinois trust us
  • What immediate steps to take if you’re charged or under investigation in Godfrey, IL
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How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future

Combs Waterkotte has over 50 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.




















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    Why Hire a Local Godfrey, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer?

    When you’re facing criminal charges, having a defense lawyer who knows the local Godfrey, IL landscape can be the difference between a conviction and a second chance. Southern Illinois courts each have their own prosecutors and personalities, and you need more than just legal knowledge to handle them — you need local insight.

    Here’s why choosing a truly local criminal defense attorney makes a difference:

    • We know the players. Every courthouse operates differently. We understand how individual judges approach cases and what local prosecutors consider during plea negotiations.
    • We know the process. Our familiarity with programs, policies, and procedures helps us keep your case moving efficiently.
    • We’re close by. We’re physically close — which means faster action when something urgent happens.
    • We have a reputation. Combs Waterkotte is known and respected throughout Southern Illinois for strong advocacy, thorough preparation, and real results.

    With a local defense lawyer, you’re not just hiring legal skill — you’re getting someone who knows how to navigate your courthouse.

    What Criminal Charges Do We Defend in Godfrey, IL?

    Criminal cases vary, but the Constitution guarantees your right to a fair trial and legal representation. Combs Waterkotte’s Godfrey, IL criminal defense lawyers represent clients across Southern Illinois facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies.

    These are the types of charges we see most often in Godfrey, IL:

    • DUI: Whether it’s a first offense or a repeat arrest, we fight to protect your license, limit penalties, and challenge breath or blood test evidence whenever possible.
    • Drug Possession and Trafficking: Whether you’re facing simple possession or felony trafficking, we challenge illegal searches and push for reduced penalties or dismissal.
    • Assault and Battery: From bar fights to felonies, we defend assault and battery cases by exposing inconsistencies in evidence and asserting your right to a fair trial.
    • Domestic Battery: These are some of the most sensitive charges we handle — and we approach them with care, strategy, and an eye on long-term consequences.
    • Theft and Burglary: From minor theft to major burglary, our defense focuses on protecting your record and challenging every aspect of the case.
    • Weapons Charges: Gun and weapon offenses often carry mandatory time and steep consequences — we fight to reduce or dismiss those charges.
    • White Collar Crimes: Accusations of fraud, embezzlement, or financial misconduct can harm your reputation and livelihood — we respond with discretion and force.
    • Sex Offenses: We defend clients accused of sex crimes with urgency, discretion, and full awareness of what’s at stake.
    • Juvenile Defense: When minors are charged with crimes, our priority is protecting their future — not just fighting charges.
    • Probation Violations: We challenge technical violations and advocate for solutions that don’t involve incarceration.

    While it may feel like the world is against you, facing a criminal charge doesn’t automatically make you guilty — and you don’t have to face it alone. Our job is to help you regain control — by clarifying your options, protecting your rights, and preparing you for what comes next.

    How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend Charges in Godfrey, IL

    A strong defense doesn’t begin in the courtroom — it begins the moment you hire us. Our Godfrey, IL criminal defense lawyers leverage years of experience and local knowledge to plan, prepare, and protect you from day one.

    Here’s how we build your defense:

    • Early Intervention: Timing matters. We get involved quickly to protect your rights, advise you before police questioning, and take steps to limit the damage before charges are even filed.
    • Independent Investigation: We don’t rely solely on the prosecution’s version of events. We dig into every detail to uncover the full story.
    • Pretrial Motions: We aggressively file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges based on legal flaws in how your case was handled.
    • Tactical Negotiation: Our ability to negotiate comes from being fully prepared to win in court — and prosecutors know it.
    • Trial-Ready Representation: When trial is the right path, we come prepared with a clear strategy, compelling evidence, and a focused courtroom presence.
    • Client-Centered Advocacy: We don’t treat you like a case number. We listen to your priorities, answer your questions, and make sure you’re involved in every decision.

    With Combs Waterkotte on your side in Godfrey, IL, you’ll have a plan, a clear line of communication, and a defense that puts you first.

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    What Happens After an Arrest in Godfrey, IL?

    If you’ve never been arrested before, the experience can feel overwhelming and confusing. Understanding what happens after the arrest can help you regain a sense of control and reduce the risk of making mistakes.

    These are the steps you can expect after getting arrested in Godfrey, IL:

    1. Booking: After your arrest, you’ll be taken to the local jail for processing. You’ll be fingerprinted, photographed, and formally charged as part of the booking process.
    2. Bond Hearing: Shortly after arrest, you’ll attend a bond hearing where a judge decides your release terms. We advocate aggressively for your release or for the lowest possible bond.
    3. Arraignment: This is your first formal court appearance. The judge will read the charges against you, and you’ll enter a plea. We ensure you’re prepared, protected, and understand every step of the process.
    4. Discovery and Pretrial Motions: This is where we begin building your defense. We examine the prosecution’s case, challenge any questionable evidence, and file motions that could limit or eliminate charges.
    5. Plea or Trial: We weigh the facts, evaluate your goals, and determine whether a plea deal or trial is the right path. Whatever direction your case takes, we provide strong guidance and skilled advocacy.

    When should you hire a lawyer?
    As soon as possible. Early involvement means more opportunities to protect your rights and shape the case in your favor.

    Can charges be dropped before trial?
    In many situations, yes. Pretrial motions, insufficient evidence, or strategic negotiations frequently lead to dismissed or reduced charges. We review every detail to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

    How to Choose the Right Godfrey, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Godfrey, IL can mean the difference between a conviction and a second chance. Still, with countless options, it can be hard to know who to trust.

    Here’s what to look for when hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Godfrey, IL:

    • Local Experience: A lawyer who knows the local judges, prosecutors, and court procedures can spot opportunities — and avoid pitfalls — that outsiders might miss.
    • Track Record of Results: A strong history of favorable outcomes is one of the clearest signs you’re in good hands.
    • Responsive Communication: Communication is key — you deserve a lawyer who is clear, responsive, and keeps you informed at all times.
    • Trial Readiness: Your lawyer should be ready and willing to take your case to trial if necessary — and not pressure you into settling just to avoid litigation.
    • Client-Focused Approach: You need an attorney who treats you like a person, not a docket number.

    Our Godfrey, IL criminal defense attorneys combine courtroom experience with a life-long passion for defending the rights of the accused. We’re here to defend your future and help you move forward with confidence.

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    Free book

    How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer

    Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.




















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      Talk to a Godfrey, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

      If you’re facing criminal charges — or even just being investigated — the decisions you make right now could shape the rest of your life. An experienced Godfrey, IL criminal defense lawyer can step in immediately and start defending your future.

      Contact Combs Waterkotte online or call (314) 900-HELP today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us hear your side, walk you through your legal options, and start planning a defense that puts you in the strongest possible position.

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